Liza Minnelli and "Cabaret" co-stars reminisce at 40th anniversary screening

Read my "Simply Showbiz" report here:

http://simply-showbiz.com/blog/archives/42858

Mark Dundas Wood

I had the good fortune of being able to leave work early yesterday to attend the screening at the Ziegfeld in NYC last night, and had a great time. Got on line at 3:15pm and was second in line. We were let in at around 6 and got very good seats, albeit a little closer than I would have preferred. But hey... the passes were free, so no complaints. I was, however, really surprised at the number of reserved seats. I'd estimate that well over half of the seats were reserved, and the Ziegfeld seats in the neighborhood of 1500, I believe. So, no surprise that so many were left out in the cold. We were told by a TMC rep that those who were turned away were given a copy of the movie as a consolation price. I assumed it was a copy of the CABARET Blu-ray, but guess not. That sucks.

It was great seeing Liza, Joel, Michael and Marissa, and watching them interviewed by Robert Osborne. The entire interview was approx. 30 minutes. And then the movie. I've read really good things about the Blu-ray restoration and have already ordered my copy, which is being released next Tuesday, but I have to tell you, I was really unimpressed with the picture and sound quality at the Ziegfeld. I certainly hope the Blu-ray looks and sounds better than what I saw last night. Still is was fun seeing it again on a big screen (with an enthusiastic audience) for the first time in nearly 40 years. I wouldn't wait in line for close to 3 hours these days for many things, but no regrets that I made an exception for Liza and CABARET.

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Updated On: 2/1/13 at 02:29 PM

All right. I've seen the photos. I'll ask it. What's wrong with Liza.

I'm glad you've asked.

I was at the event last evening and thought that the right side of Liza's face looked droopy/immobilized. It was obvious enough to me (from the fifth row) that I thought she was definitely going to explain it during the interview. Most of the news outlets are talking about how great she looks and while she certainly pulled herself together, it was clear that something was not exactly right.

Does anyone know if she has recently been unwell? I worry.


Liza at the Zigfield

Red Mustang - I flat out didn't recognise him. He's not even recognisable as Basil Exposition and the last Austin powers is only 10 years ago.

He also looks like he's sporting two black eyes in the photos from the most recent event

The yellowing/bruising around Mr. York's eyes first became apparent in 2009, at which point he began to wear dark glasses to most red carpet events. Around 2010 his appearance changed drastically - almost overnight - and he began to look as he did at the Cabaret event last evening. I do not know the details, but I have heard he is unwell.

I too thought Bell's Palsy when I saw Liza at the Zigfield last night. I was just surprised that Liza - who usually puts out a press release about every broken ankle and knee replacement - didn't address it during the interview. It was her uncharacteristic silence - while very much her prerogative, of course - that worried me.

I have had a couple friends and a step mother as well, come down with Bell's Palsy. Liza looks like she has it. Everyone it strikes tends not to smile but keeps a very "neutral" expression to try and cover it.

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Michael York has Multiple Myeloma. It's a cancer that attacks blood plasma cells. It's effect on him started showing in late 2009.



Michael York

Updated On: 2/1/13 at 10:08 PM

This thread is a real downer.

Also, this is probably why Liza cancelled on Kathy Griffin a little while back.

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Updated On: 2/2/13 at 01:50 AM

I was shocked at Michael York's appearance and his frail voice. I didn't recognize him either. The first thing I thought was cancer. So sorry to hear this. Liza's interview answers were clear as a bell, though. She may be crazy as as bed bug, but I love how her mind works especially when talking about the creative process. She's thinner now, so even though she may be suffering from Bell's Palsy (or something else), I thought she looked better than I'd seen her in the recent past.

At the same time, it takes an enormous amount of courage to show up (or to leave the house, for that matter) when you're sick, not to mention seriously ill.

These people showed up because they love each other, and it was a chance to celebrate one of the most important artistic events in their lives. They could all be together again, perhaps for the last time. Whatever fears they might have had about their appearance or their stamina to get through it were unimportant in comparison.

So ultimately, with the sadness of learning that time and illness has taken its toll on them, a joyful celebration brought them all together again. I could tell in their eyes that despite the expected comments about their health and age, it was well worth it.

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Updated On: 2/2/13 at 08:10 AM

Thanks for all the info guys. Best Wishes to Mr York going out from here.

Best12 - I thought what you said was very eloquent and accurate and would wish to be identified with those sentiments from across the pond in Blighty.